Lila (Arlea) Robbins Lee Pierce was born July 26, 1931, to Jennie Carpenter and James W. Robbins, in Almy. She was raised in Bitter Creek and Carter, where she met and married her first husband of 25 years, Edison.
Starting their family in Evanston, they had three wonderful children Gale, Kenny and Cindy. She later married Ralph Pierce, her husband of 47 years. They remained happy in Evanston, where they cherished being close to their family and friends.
Arlea found her calling working in the Evanston hospital, retiring after 27 years. She enjoyed reading, swing dancing, canning, tending her flowerbed, sharing coffee with all drop-in visitors, every sleepover with her grandchildren and going on drives with Ralph to see the fall colors on the trees.
She was full of undeniable love and care for her ever-growing family to which she adored every moment.
She is survived by her sister, Carol Davis; children, Ken (Cleone) Lee and Cindy (Kris) Albert; seven grandchildren, Cherisa, Crystal, Tiffany, Eric, Jennie, Breann, and Kelby; 26 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
She is met in heaven by her loving son, Gale Lee; parents, James Robbins and Jennie Carpenter Robbins; brothers, James Boan, Joe Boan and Lester Robbins; her sisters, Edna Boan and Rhoda Boan; four great-granddaughters; Edison Lee; and her husband, Ralph Pierce.
